Before heading to Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas tests the Alfa Romeo 33

As a farewell after several years spent with the Sauber team, Alfa Romeo invited Valtteri Bottas to drive its supercar 33 Stradale.

There are not only wild ones in Formula 1. Even if Alfa Romeo was no longer the main sponsor of the Sauber team in 2024, the relationship remains very good between the Italian manufacturer and the Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas. While he was about to return to Mercedes in 2025 as a reserve driver, he made a detour to the Stellantis group’s test track in Balocco (created in 1962), in northern Italy. An opportunity, notably, to sit in the carbon seat of the latest supercar, the stunning 33 Stradale.

A test drive of the “prototype 00” which, according to Alfa Romeo, would have allowed fine-tuning of its masterpiece, of which only 33 units will be produced. As for the price, it’s secret, but rumors suggest a seven-figure amount, that is over a million euros.

A unique experience on the track

Valtteri Bottas started his day with a reconnaissance lap aboard the Giulia GTAm, a car he knows well since he owns one of the 500 units produced. He then took the wheel of the 33 Stradale, which he immediately described as “an intuitive and easy-to-understand car.” The main challenge for a Formula 1 driver is to know how to lower their level of dynamic demands to step into the shoes of an ordinary driver.

The friendly Finn also praised the 100% “driver-oriented” approach, where the minimalism of the interior eliminates all distractions. He was also impressed by the inimitable sound of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 620 horsepower, the very one that already powers the Maserati MC20. The two cars are very similar in design, except that the native of Modena costs 230,000 euros…

“Pista” mode: pure adrenaline

Bottas then switched to Pista mode, and effortlessly shifted the 8 gears of the dual-clutch transmission. His smile was no vain after this preview test… before taking possession of his own car in the coming weeks. Indeed, Bottas is a member of the prestigious Club 33, which will bring together the 33 owners of this very special Alfa Romeo. “The opportunity to test the 33 Stradale was a very special moment. The experience is close to perfection: the car is reactive, precise, and immediately puts you at ease. I am extremely satisfied with the test drives, and now I can’t wait for my own 33 Stradale to be ready!“

In the meantime, let’s bet that Valtteri Bottas won’t show up at his new German employer’s with his stunning Italian coupe…

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